Maguire leads way as Harriers dominate

Athletes from Canterbury Harriers enjoyed success over both distances in the Aylesham and East Kent 5k and 10k races on Sunday. The 5k course is actually 3.8 miles long with several hills and the Harriers dominated the women’s race, filling four of the first five places, including the top three spots. Sarah Maguire crossed the line first in 28minutes 21seconds to be eighth overall and she was followed by Melanie Christodoulou (29.52, 10th overall) and Wendy Smith (31.15, 11th overall). Fellow Harrier Emily Thomson was fifth female and 15th overall in 31.59, with Invicta East Kent’s Winta Tekle sixth fastest female (and 17th overall) in 34.45. Harriers were also well represented in the men’s race by Yiannis Christodoulou, who was using the event as a warm-up for the Aquathlon World Championships in Canada later this month. He came home in 22.37 to finish second behind winner Ross Braden (Blackheath & Bromley Harriers), who triumphed in 20.13. Thom Fentem also achieved a top-six finish, clocking 25.07. Nicola Charlton produced a fine run over 10k, finishing as first female and ninth overall in 43.22. Paul Keen was 17th in 47.01 with Sammy-jo Foster 46th (57.41), Fiona Craig 61st (1:02.34) and Lea Burnett 67th (1:04.30). The 10k was won in a time of 36.46 by Medway & Maidstone AC’S Ben Hughes. The event, revived by Sporting Events UK, attracted around 150 runners. Harrier Peter Hogben has been confirmed as runner-up in the National Championships Half Triathlon Distance. The event was held in Ashford last month and Hogben recorded a time of time of 4 hours 27 minutes.

FM4876783 Runner No. 195 Louisa Pimblett crossed the line 137th in 58.16

Canterbury Harriers enjoyed a 1-2-3 in the East Kent & Aylesham 5k women’s race. From left, Wendy Smith, Melanie Christodoulou and winner Sarah Maguire